Re: I wonder if your friend looked like one of mine, during hospital stay, 1961

I wonder if your friend looked like one of mine, during hospital stay, 1961

Abuelita,

When I spent ten weeks of that year in the U of M hospital, recovering from a burned leg and skin-grafting, I met the most marvelous man, fellow ward inmate, a Mr. James. He was a white-haired man, diabetic, had already lost one leg, and they were doing their best to save the other. That man was so upbeat, funny and happy to pick up the flagging of he met, that it was easy to forget what grim prospects, he had facing him. Staff and patients alike smiled happily, whenever he was present. I forgot to mention that he was a Baptist preacher, irrelevant but for the fact that I usually find those who chose or were chosen for that career, to be unlikable and authoritative, but Rev. James was uniquely singular in his infectious outlook and sense of humor. He could have been a movie stand-in for the happy-go-lucky "Uncle Remus" character, in my favorite Walt Disney children's live action/animation combinations, viewed religiously, (!?) each week. I have often thought about him, over the last nearly HALF A CENTURY! I hope he lived a long time after we last saw each other. I will always picture him singing "Zipity Doo Da!" & extending his forefinger, for the bluebird of happiness to land on.

I will be asking for him for you, too.

Re: Wow, Benz., what a storytelling master you are! And the truth

Thanks a lot Katray2, for your prayers and nice comments; I do need to keep him alive until October. Of course, I want someone to die next to him , total kidney match and both arrive at the hospital at the very same moment. But, I also want no one to die. He is torn between optimism and pessimism, a reservation life thing.

It is easy to speak eloquently about that which we love, I think. And I adore this friend and travelling companion and excellent Navajo sand painter.

Wow, Benz., what a storytelling master you are! And the truth

of the bond and shared experiences reverberates through every line - Amazing and deeply touching work and lives; the power of hope and endurance, acceptance and the emotions calmly yet so achingly known. Well, I could go and on, but I will stop here, only adding that Yes, indeed I shall pray for health and trails for you both.